@article{ref1,
title="Hamstrings strength imbalance in professional football (soccer) players in Australia",
journal="Journal of strength and conditioning research",
year="2014",
author="Ardern, Clare L. and Pizzari, Tania and Wollin, Martin and Webster, Kate E.",
volume="29",
number="4",
pages="997-1002",
abstract="The aim of this study was to describe the isokinetic thigh muscle strength profile of professional male football players in Australia. Concentric (60° and 240°/second) and eccentric (30° and 120°/second) hamstrings and quadriceps isokinetic strength was measured with a HUMAC NORM dynamometer. The primary variables were bilateral concentric and eccentric hamstring and quadriceps peak torque ratios, concentric hamstring-quadriceps peak torque ratios, and mixed ratios (eccentric hamstring 30°/second ÷ concentric quadriceps 240°/second). Hamstring strength imbalance was defined as deficits in any two of: bilateral concentric hamstring peak torque ratio < 0.86, bilateral eccentric hamstring peak torque ratio < 0.86, concentric hamstring-quadriceps ratio < 0.47, mixed ratio < 0.80. Fifty-five strength tests involving 42 players were conducted. Ten players (24%) were identified as having hamstring strength imbalance. Athletes with strength imbalance had significantly reduced concentric and eccentric bilateral hamstring peak torque ratios at all angular velocities tested; and reduced eccentric quadriceps peak torque (30°/second) in their stance leg, compared to those without strength imbalance. Approximately one in four players had preseason hamstring strength imbalance; and all strength deficits were observed in the stance leg. Concentric and eccentric hamstrings strength imbalance may impact in-season football performance, and could have implications for the future risk of injury.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1064-8011",
doi="10.1519/JSC.0000000000000747",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000747"
}